1996 Ford Taurus High Idle and Stall

FORD TAURUS
Avatar
COUNTRYPUMPKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 1996 Ford Taurus with over 206,000 miles on it. It seems to run fine sometimes but other times it seems to swallow gas and idles high at start of engine or when I am driving sometimes it shift's hard either when driving or slowing down for a red light. Also, when stopped at a light it will sometimes act like its going to die and sometimes will but there are times when it catches itself and goes back to normal. Also at times it does not react to the pushing of the acceltor. I have taken it to the shop and they have told me that it is one of the sensors on the car and that there are six of them and all we can is change one at a time until it is fixed. Any idea what it could be before going thru all of that. Thank you

Sincerely,

countrypunpkin :?:
May 24, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
BLACKOP555
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 10,386 POSTS
sounds like they want some money. scan for error codes first or get your valves tested. go to a different dealership and see what they tell you.
May 24, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Avatar
RUDPRO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 224 POSTS
Run away from that repair shop. Sensors can be tested, you don't start replacing them unil you find the right one. I'd check the EGR valve, mass air flow sensor, oxygen sensor, idle air control valve. It might also be a fuel problem like clogged injectors or faulty fuel pressure regulator. You can test a lot of engine control components with just a volt/ohmmeter, hand vacuum pump and fuel pressure gauge. Find another repair shop.
May 24, 2007 at 12:45 PM

Suggested Repair

Do not replace sensors one at a time. Scan for trouble codes first, then test the EGR valve, mass airflow sensor, oxygen sensor, and idle air control valve. Also check for a fuel problem such as clogged injectors or a faulty fuel pressure regulator using a volt/ohmmeter, hand vacuum pump, and fuel pressure gauge, and get a second opinion from another shop.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Ford Taurus with over 206,000 miles sometimes uses excessive fuel, idles high, shifts hard, nearly stalls or dies at lights, and sometimes does not respond to the accelerator. A shop suggested replacing six sensors one at a time. Experts advised leaving that shop, scanning for codes, and testing the EGR, mass airflow, oxygen, and idle air control components, plus checking fuel delivery, before replacing parts.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle